beyond driving school

Driving school is an exciting milestone for Ohio teens on their way to getting their driver’s license. With 24 hours of classroom learning and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, students gain a solid foundation in the basics of driving.

However, there are still plenty of important skills and tips that can help build their confidence on the road. To keep your teens safe and prepared, here are 10 valuable things driving school may not have had time to cover—but should definitely be part of their journey to becoming a skilled driver. 

1. how to set up for a safe drive

Teach your teens how to adjust the seat so they can comfortably reach the pedals with a slight bend in their knees—no fully extended legs here! The seat height should also be adjusted to give them a clear view of the road and their surroundings. Comfort and visibility are key! 

Set yourself up before driving by inputting your destination and picking your playlist ahead of time. If something comes up, pull over safely. Fewer distractions mean more focus on the road and keeping everyone safe. 

Teaching these basics helps new drivers feel more confident and prepared for the road. 

2. the proper to way to defrost a windshield

When your teen is eager to hit the road, but the windows are frosty or foggy, here's how they can fix it. First, turn on the defroster and set it to the warmest setting. In winter, use the air conditioning to reduce humidity, and in summer, switch to cool air. Increase airflow and crack a window slightly to help circulate air and clear the fog faster. 

3. sharing the road: cyclists, pedestrians, animals and more!

Your teen will be sharing the road with more than just other cars. Share these tips for safely navigating the road with others to help them stay safe! 

• Cyclists: The bike lane isn’t just a suggestion—it’s their space! Before crossing or merging into it, double-check for cyclists, and when you pass them, give plenty of room! 
• Pedestrians: Rule of thumb: if they’re on foot, they get the go-ahead. Whether it’s at a crosswalk, in a school zone, or just strolling around, pedestrians have the right of way! 
• Animals: Deer and other road animals are most active around dusk and dawn. And if you spot one deer, chances are they’ve brought the whole squad. Slow down, stay sharp, and avoid any unexpected meet-and-greets with furry friends. 

4. driving in different weather 

Driving in different weather conditions requires extra caution. Here are some tips if the weather is: 

• Snowy and Icy: Slow down and leave more space between you and other vehicles. Use low beams and avoid sudden movements. If you start skidding, steer gently into the skid. 
• Rainy: Reduce speed and increase the following distance. Turn on your headlights and use wipers. Be cautious of hydroplaning—if it happens, ease off the gas and steer straight. 
• Foggy: Use low-beam headlights, not high beams, which can reflect off the fog. Drive slowly, keep a safe distance, and listen for other vehicles.

5. dealing with gas stations and car washes

• Gas stations: Help your teens figure out how to find the fuel tank on the car when they park. Remind them to pay attention to their surroundings, avoid distractions, and never leave the car alone when fueling up.  
• Car wash: When using an automated car wash, remind them to stay alert and follow instructions. Watch the attendant’s signals at the entrance, shift the car into neutral when instructed, and keep the radio low so they can hear any directions. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy the clean! 

6. parking on a hill

When parking on a hill, always turn your wheels to prevent the car from rolling. If parking uphill, turn the wheels away from the curb. If parking downhill, turn the wheels toward the curb. Always set the parking brake to ensure the car stays securely in place. 

7. rules of the roundabout

When approaching a roundabout, slow down and yield to traffic already in the circle. Look to your left to check for vehicles and enter when there's a safe gap. Remember, pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way when crossing at designated spots. Keep things flowing by staying in your lane and watching for others! Always use your turn signal when you’re about to exit the roundabout. 

Stay safe & stay prepared with Navigating Teen Driving Together

Our Navigating Teen Driving Together program is here to provide expert tips and additional free tools to help you and your teen build safe driving habits with confidence.  

Sign up for our teen driving newsletter today and get your first free resource: a brand-new driving hours tracker! This tool helps you log the required 50 hours of practice in the most intentional way. It covers all the essentials, from nighttime driving to city streets and rural roads. 

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Together you and your teen can make sure they’re prepared to be safe in any circumstance as they drive on the road!